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Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Butter Yellow Is Summer's Trendiest Shade—Here Are 4 Nail Looks to Try
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Now that summer is here, our seasonal beauty switch-ups are officially in motion, starting with the arrival of joyful, butter yellow manicures. Whether it's a layer of glossy soft yellow polish or a minimalist spring-inspired design, the options are endless when it comes to sunny nail ideas—it's simply a matter of choosing your style. Consider what type of manicure you'd like to sport this summer. Classic polish allows you to switch up your design (not to mention try new nail art techniques at home), while a gel formula offers longevity for those looking for a longer-lasting mani. For ultimate durability, opt for acrylics, which are perfect for a long-haul trip, or try BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) to encourage strength and new length for weakened tips. Here, we've rounded up the best buttery nail designs and manicure ideas for summer, including fancy French tips and playful aura nails. You can add an elegant sheen to any classic manicure using chrome, but this summer it's best placed over a sunshine yellow French tip. 'Begin by painting one coat of your desired base shade (I'm a huge fan of Essie Gel Couture in Sheer Fantasy),' explains nail artist and Essie ambassador Michelle Humphrey. 'Paint your French tip—this can be white, or any color! For warmer days, you might want to opt for a brighter shade like lilac, matcha green, or yellow.' To finish, apply either a chrome top coat (or chrome powder with a clear top coat) to add a finishing metallic glaze to your mani. So chic and so modern. Florals for spring-summer may seem cliché, but we assure you, these delicate designs couldn't be more trendy. 'Start by applying your desired base shade; sheer nudes always look beautiful, but you can choose any color you like. Soft sorbet shades would also be dreamy for this look,' says Humphrey. 'Use a dotting tool or a bobby pin to create a small circle of five white dots, then create the center of the flower by adding one more yellow dot. Tip: Be sure to clean the tool regularly to prevent the polish from drying and the dots becoming uneven. You can have several flowers or just one on the nail—the options are limitless!' Trendy but never childish, these airbrushed tips have been making the rounds since 2023, retaining their popularity thanks to an easy-to-replicate design and versatile set of colors. This summer, they're worn best in bright yellows and vibrant oranges. Think sunset shades. 'Paint your nails in your desired shades—I love choosing bright pastels on each nail,' says Humphrey. 'Apply a matte top coat and allow it to thoroughly dry. Grab any eyeshadow palette. Using an eyeshadow applicator sponge, gently buff the eyeshadow into the nail where you'd like your aura.' Complete on all nails, then apply a glossy top coat for that high-shine professional finish. Gingham has long been hailed as the official fabric of summer, but did you know it also looks incredibly chic when adorned over bare nails? Better yet, match your manicure to your lightweight summer wardrobe. While we're huge fans of an at-home nail design, we're the first to admit that this idea is far from beginner-friendly. Save this detailed inspiration for your in-salon appointment, whether that's an acrylic set to last well beyond the heat wave, or a classic gel manicure that won't smear and smudge throughout the week.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Vogue
7 Best Long-Lasting Nail Polishes That Won't Chip by Day Four
It can be frustrating to commit to a full manicure or pedicure, only to find yourself redoing your nails just a few days (or hours, for those of us who can't sit still) later. Luckily, the best long-lasting nail polishes can extend wear-time up to ten days or more with the right prep, so you're not constantly adding 'get nails done' to your to-do list. That means more time to focus on important things, like regulating your cortisol levels or hunting down the perfect beach outfit. Vogue's Favorite Long-Lasting Nail Polishes: Below, we asked top nail experts what to look for in a polish, how to extend the lifespan of a manicure, and which formulas they actually use on clients. Some picks might be familiar, like drugstore staples such as Essie and OPI, but there are also a few splurge-worthy luxury options and under-the-radar staples from across the pond with innovative formulas worth boasting about. To many no-chip manicures in your future! In This Story Best Overall: Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish Essie Gel Couture Long-Lasting Nail Polish $13 AMAZON Why We Love It : While you may have grown up with Essie, the brand recently reformulated its Gel Couture line and now claims your manicure can last up to 15 days—with a reapplication of the top-coat on day seven. Celebrity manicurist Sonya Belakhlef says, 'I love this line for its affordability as well as accessibility. They're in every store,' which makes it easy to toss a few shades like cobalt blue or rich forest green in your cart while grocery shopping. And while the polish delivers a gel-like high shine, you don't need a UV lamp, harsh soaking, or hours of spare time to remove it. Fortunately, it comes off just like regular polish. : While you may have grown up with Essie, the brand recently reformulated its Gel Couture line and now claims your manicure can last up to 15 days—with a reapplication of the top-coat on day seven. Celebrity manicurist Sonya Belakhlef says, 'I love this line for its affordability as well as accessibility. They're in every store,' which makes it easy to toss a few shades like cobalt blue or rich forest green in your cart while grocery shopping. And while the polish delivers a gel-like high shine, you don't need a UV lamp, harsh soaking, or hours of spare time to remove it. Fortunately, it comes off just like regular polish. Shades : 39 : 39 Finish : Glossy : Glossy Wear-Time : 15 days : 15 days Size: 0.46 oz. Best Shade Range: OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish $12 AMAZON Why We Love It : Every time I'm at the nail salon, I find myself reaching for OPI. Between the shade range, the long-lasting formula, and the overall reliability, it's an automatic response, especially when I'm skipping gel but still want my polish to last. Belakhlef agrees, noting that OPI's assortment makes it easy to customize. 'I tend to layer polishes to achieve the perfect tone for each client, and OPI has a seemingly never-ending shade range,' she says. One of her favorites on set? Put It In Neutral, a sheer nude she calls 'universally flattering.' While sheer formulas are sometimes seen as a drawback, Belakhlef says they actually offer more versatility when it comes to layering and wear. : Every time I'm at the nail salon, I find myself reaching for OPI. Between the shade range, the long-lasting formula, and the overall reliability, it's an automatic response, especially when I'm skipping gel but still want my polish to last. Belakhlef agrees, noting that OPI's assortment makes it easy to customize. 'I tend to layer polishes to achieve the perfect tone for each client, and OPI has a seemingly never-ending shade range,' she says. One of her favorites on set? Put It In Neutral, a sheer nude she calls 'universally flattering.' While sheer formulas are sometimes seen as a drawback, Belakhlef says they actually offer more versatility when it comes to layering and wear. Shades : 100+ : 100+ Finish : Multiple options : Multiple options Wear-Time : 11 days : 11 days Size: 0.5 oz Best Without Base Coat: CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish CND Vinylux Longwear Nail Polish $12 AMAZON Why We Love It : Not your mother's nail polish, CND's Vinylux line delivers over seven days of wear without chipping or dullness, and you don't even need a base coat (though you can add one to extend longevity). It dries quickly, making it ideal for rushed mornings, and it's infused with keratin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to help nourish nails while you wear it. According to Belakhlef, 'Vinylux is the original no-base-coat formula. CND is always ahead of its time.' While it may be slightly pricier than typical drugstore picks, Belakhlef says the brand's dedication to smart formulations and its responsiveness to professional feedback make it well worth the investment. : Not your mother's nail polish, CND's Vinylux line delivers over seven days of wear without chipping or dullness, and you don't even need a base coat (though you can add one to extend longevity). It dries quickly, making it ideal for rushed mornings, and it's infused with keratin, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to help nourish nails while you wear it. According to Belakhlef, 'Vinylux is the original no-base-coat formula. CND is always ahead of its time.' While it may be slightly pricier than typical drugstore picks, Belakhlef says the brand's dedication to smart formulations and its responsiveness to professional feedback make it well worth the investment. Shades : 100+ : 100+ Finish : Glossy : Glossy Wear-Time : 7+ days : 7+ days Size: 0.5 Fl oz. Best Pigment: Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour $33 CHANEL Why We Love It : 'Chanel Le Vernis is hands down my absolute favorite,' says nail artist Erica De Los Santos. 'The formula applies like a dream with rich pigment and a high-shine finish that gives you that luxe, salon-quality look at home.' As for wear time, it holds up well for a standard polish. 'I typically get about five to seven days with proper prep and a good top coat,' she says, though notes that household chores can shorten the lifespan. 'It's the kind of polish that instantly makes your hands look polished and pulled together.' And if you're overwhelmed by the shade range, Pompier is a fail-safe choice—a timeless, classic red that works beautifully year-round. : 'Chanel Le Vernis is hands down my absolute favorite,' says nail artist Erica De Los Santos. 'The formula applies like a dream with rich pigment and a high-shine finish that gives you that luxe, salon-quality look at home.' As for wear time, it holds up well for a standard polish. 'I typically get about five to seven days with proper prep and a good top coat,' she says, though notes that household chores can shorten the lifespan. 'It's the kind of polish that instantly makes your hands look polished and pulled together.' And if you're overwhelmed by the shade range, Pompier is a fail-safe choice—a timeless, classic red that works beautifully year-round. Shades : 34 : 34 Finish : Glossy : Glossy Wear-Time : 5-7 days : 5-7 days Size: 0.4 Fl. oz Best Luxe: Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel $63 NORDSTROM Why We Love It : Nourishing your nails is an underrated act of self-care, and Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel transforms it into a full-on beauty ritual. 'The brush is thoughtfully designed for easy, even application, and the color payoff is rich with just one to two coats,' says celebrity nail artist Mazz Hanna. Its wear-time is impressive for a non-gel formula, typically lasting five to seven days with minimal chipping when paired with the matching top-coat. And while you could go for the signature Hermès orange, the shade range overall leans classic and elevated. 'The colors feel intentional and timeless,' Hanna adds. : Nourishing your nails is an underrated act of self-care, and Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel transforms it into a full-on beauty ritual. 'The brush is thoughtfully designed for easy, even application, and the color payoff is rich with just one to two coats,' says celebrity nail artist Mazz Hanna. Its wear-time is impressive for a non-gel formula, typically lasting five to seven days with minimal chipping when paired with the matching top-coat. And while you could go for the signature Hermès orange, the shade range overall leans classic and elevated. 'The colors feel intentional and timeless,' Hanna adds. Shades : 22 : 22 Finish : Glossy : Glossy Wear-Time : 5-7 days : 5-7 days Size: 0.5 oz Best Sheer: Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil $20 AMAZON Why We Love It : For those who prefer something a little more sheer, Hanna recommends Londontown's Nail Veil—a breathable polish designed to enhance your natural nail rather than cover it completely. 'It's a great option for minimalists or anyone in between appointments who still wants a polished look,' she says. While wear time is slightly shorter (typically around three to four days without chipping), it removes easily and feels like a nourishing break for the nails. 'The soft wash of color adds a fresh, clean finish.' : For those who prefer something a little more sheer, Hanna recommends Londontown's Nail Veil—a breathable polish designed to enhance your natural nail rather than cover it completely. 'It's a great option for minimalists or anyone in between appointments who still wants a polished look,' she says. While wear time is slightly shorter (typically around three to four days without chipping), it removes easily and feels like a nourishing break for the nails. 'The soft wash of color adds a fresh, clean finish.' Shades : 9 : 9 Finish : Sheer : Sheer Wear-Time : 4 days : 4 days Size: 0.4 Fl. oz Best Gel-Alternative: Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish Manucurist Green Flash LED Gel Polish $19 BLUEMERCURY Why We Love It : Manucurist Green Flash is a gel alternative that cures under an LED lamp but removes like regular polish—no soaking or scraping required. 'It's ideal for anyone who wants long wear without the damage of traditional gel,' says Hanna, noting that most shades last seven to ten days. 'The formula is plant-based and clean, yet still performs like a pro polish. I especially recommend it for those trying to strengthen their nails or transition away from gels.' : Manucurist Green Flash is a gel alternative that cures under an LED lamp but removes like regular polish—no soaking or scraping required. 'It's ideal for anyone who wants long wear without the damage of traditional gel,' says Hanna, noting that most shades last seven to ten days. 'The formula is plant-based and clean, yet still performs like a pro polish. I especially recommend it for those trying to strengthen their nails or transition away from gels.' Shades : 25 : 25 Finish : Natural, glitter, metallic : Natural, glitter, metallic Wear-Time : 10 days : 10 days Size: 0.5 Fl. oz Everything You Need To Know
Elle
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
How to Recreate ‘Milk Nails,' Summer's Chicest Minimalist Trend
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Anyone well versed in the endless array of summer nail trends doing the rounds right now will know all about juicy Korean jelly nails, the new high-shine aura manicure, and colorful cat-eye fingertips. But if you favor a softer aesthetic, the trend to have on your radar this summer is 'milk nails.' Destined for those who favor manicure minimalism, milk nails are the epitome of a classic 'quiet luxury' mani—milky or cream whites with a sheer or translucent finish—and have been filtering onto Instagram feeds this summer as a welcome respite from the loud neon and colorful French tips that have been circulating online. 'A much softer version of a white manicure, the milk nail manicure is a minimalist nail trend achieved by applying a semi-sheer white or pale nude polish to paint a more subtle wash of color to mimic a soft and creamy 'milky' appearance,' says Ami Streets, a session manicurist for Kure Bazaar. Milk nails tap into growing demand for 'quiet luxury' manicures; effectively, your-nails-but-better trends that center upon glossy finishes and nude bases. 'This look has become popular because it looks super chic on any nail length. The neutral color looks clean and polished, and works perfectly as an understated shade that complements any skin tone and ensemble—it's a great effortless but elevated look,' shares Streets. There are a number of different variations on the trend taking shape too. 'The classic milky white is the most iconic, but for a modern twist, chrome or shimmer finishes can be layered over the milky base to create a glazed or pearl-like effect (this looks gorgeous as an update to a French manicure with a milky base and glazed tip),' notes Streets. You can also add 3-D accents for a more maximalist take on the trend, or add depth using an aura finish. First, choose your shape—almond, square, or round. Next, choose between polish, gel, or BIAB. 'To emulate the milk nail manicure at home with regular polish, I'd recommend Essie's Marshmallow or OPI's Funny Bunny (one of the classic go-to colors for this look and popular with celebrities), as they have a beautiful high-shine finish,' shares Streets. You can also custom build your milky base. 'If you already have a favorite sheer nude or soft pink tone polish, you can always custom mix a milky base using a drop of pure white polish and adjust the opacity by applying either one or more layers for your perfect finish,' she notes. Finally, the key to nailing this manicure lies in the high-shine finish, so add a final glossy top coat.
Elle
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
'Milk Nails' Are The Perfect Summer Manicure For Minimalists - Here's How To Recreate Them
Anyone well versed in the endless array of summer nail trends doing the rounds right now will be au cour with juicy Korean Jelly nails, the new high-shine aura manicure, and colourful cat-eye fingertips. But if you veer more towards a softer aesthetic, the trend to have on your radar this summer is 'milk nails'. Destined for those who favour manicure minimalism, milk nails are the epitome of a classic 'quiet luxury' mani - milky or cream whites with a sheer or translucent finish - and have been filtering onto Instagram feeds this summer as welcome respite from the loud neon and colourful French tips that have been circulating online. 'A much softer version of a white manicure, the milk nail manicure is a minimalist nail trend achieved by applying a semi-sheer white or pale nude polish to paint a more subtle wash of colour to mimic a soft and creamy 'milky' appearance,' says Ami Streets, a session manicurist for Kure Bazaar. Milk nails tap into growing demand for 'quiet luxury' manicures; effectively, your-nails-but-better trends that centre upon glossy finishes and nude bases. 'This look has become popular because it looks super chic on any nail length. The neutral colour looks clean and polished, and works perfectly as an understated shade that complements any skin tone and ensemble - it's a great effortless but elevated look,' shares Streets. There are a number of different variations on the trend taking shape too. 'The classic milky white is the most iconic but for a modern twist, chrome or shimmer finishes can be layered over the milky base to create a glazed or pearl-like effect, (this looks gorgeous as an update to a french manicure with a milky base and glazed tip),' notes Streets. You can also add 3-D accents for a more maximalist take on the trend, or add depth using an aura finish. First, choose your shape – almond, square or round. Next, choose between polish, gel or BIAB. 'To emulate the milk nail manicure at home with regular polish I'd recommend Essie's Allure or Marshmallow shades, (Allure is slightly creamier and warmer in colour and works well for deeper skin tones) or OPI's Funny Bunny, (one of the classic go-to colours for this look and popular with celebrities) as they have a beautiful high shine finish,' shares Streets. 'I also love Kure Bazaar's Beige Nail Hardener for those looking for a tinted treatment product with added nail care to improve the health and appearance of natural nails over time.' You can also custom build your milky base. 'If you already have a favourite sheer nude or soft pink tone polish you can always custom-mix a milky base using a drop of pure white polish and adjust the opacity by applying either one or more layers for your perfect finish,' she notes. Finally, the key to nailing this manicure lies in the high-shine finish so add a final glossy top coat. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper's Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sandal season is here - and these 5 nail colours look better on your toes
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Once a month, I book an appointment at the nail salon for a gel manicure. I always get the same colour – OPI GelColor in Big Apple Red – and I never get a gel pedicure. I'm not sure why (I think, maybe, the foot baths freak me out) but I prefer to paint my toenails at home. Matching them to my gel polish is easy – OPI's luscious red shade also comes in nail polish formula – but I like to switch it up in sandal season too. Ahead, I've listed five of my favourite pedicure colours for summer, from a sheer nude from Essie to an orangey red from OPI. Sheer nude Nothing looks more polished than a nude pedicure, but it can be quite tricky to find a neutral shade that suits your skin tone. My go-to is Sheer Fantasy, a sheer pink nail polish, from Essie's Gel Couture range. Finish with a lick of the top coat and it will last up to two weeks. Black cherry One of the coolest pedicure colours of the season is a near-black, cherry red. Rouge Noir from Chanel has been a cult favourite since the mid 90s – and for good reason. The glossy shade is perfect for nailing this trend, and lasts at least a week chip-free. Yellow chrome I might not have nail artist Zola Ganzorigt on speed dial to replicate Hailey Bieber 's yellow chrome manicure, but I do have Manucurist's nail polish in the shade Lemonade. It's a pale yellow with glittering highlights that will give your toenails that 'glazed' effect. Manucurist Green Lemonade £14 Shop Milky white In the summer, white polish looks extra chic against a pair of black leather flip flops, but I usually wait until I've got a bit of a tan. This glossy white from Sally Hansen called Get Mod requires a couple of coats for opacity, but can last up to two weeks if you apply the top coat. Orangey red I don't often steer away from OPI's Big Apple Red but when I do in the summer months, it's with OPI's Cajun Shrimp, a fiery coral red that pops against all my white and black linen dresses. Plus, its gel-like shine lasts up to two weeks.
